Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 8005: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

HB 8005 changes how local governments in Rhode Island can set parking requirements for new housing. It amends zoning rules to adjust standards for permitted parking spaces in dwelling units, particularly affecting towns and cities that create zoning ordinances. The key change modifies Section 45-24-33's provisions about parking areas (subsection 4[vi]), clarifying how municipalities may limit or require parking based on development type. This directly impacts developers building new residential projects and local officials drafting zoning rules. The bill does not eliminate parking requirements but refines how they are applied within zoning codes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces parking requirements for new housing, lowering development costs and facilitating more housing construction, directly supporting affordable housing and development.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 7777: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS--WARWICK MUNICIPAL COURT

HB 7777 expands the Warwick municipal court's authority to handle cases involving zoning violations, housing maintenance codes, building regulations, and related local ordinances. The bill removes the court's power to impose jail sentences, restricting penalties to fines of up to $500 per violation. It also grants the court the ability to order repairs or corrective actions for housing code violations, such as fixing unsafe dwellings. This change directly affects residents and property owners in Warwick who face enforcement under these housing, building, and zoning codes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates court-ordered repairs for unsafe housing code violations, strengthening tenant safety protections without jail penalties. Directly addresses housing maintenance enforcement.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

passed · Rhode Island · House May 22, 2026

HB 8000: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- HOMELESS BILL OF RIGHTS

HB 8000 requires local agencies to provide at least 15 days' written notice to people living in outdoor encampments on public property before removing or relocating them. This applies to homeless individuals and their belongings in temporary shelters, directly affecting those residing in such encampments. Exceptions to the notice requirement include immediate public safety risks (like active construction sites, environmental hazards, or infrastructure repairs). The bill mandates agencies also notify local homelessness outreach services when providing notice, unless one of the five safety exceptions applies. It takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires 15-day notice before relocating homeless individuals from encampments, directly protecting vulnerable residents and addressing homelessness through tenant rights safeguards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

Track

passed · Rhode Island · House May 22, 2026

HB 8006: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

HB 8006 establishes a special 8% property tax rate for qualifying affordable housing in Rhode Island, instead of standard local tax rates. To qualify, properties must have legal agreements restricting rents to 30% of tenant income for households at or below 80% of area median income (for 40% of units) or 60% AMI (for 30% of units). Conversions of existing non-residential buildings to housing qualify until 2037, with tax rates gradually increasing from 8% to 12% over 30 years. This directly affects property owners of qualifying affordable housing and local governments setting tax policies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes 8% property tax rate for affordable housing targeting low-income renters (30%/60% AMI), providing tax relief for qualifying properties per fiscal policy indicators.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates 8% property tax rate for affordable housing with income-based rent restrictions (30% of income for 40% units at 80% AMI), incentivizing development and tenant protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

Track

signed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2422: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

SB 2422 allows the town of Jamestown to expand tax exemptions for seniors aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary residence. It establishes income-based exemption tiers (10% to 60% off property taxes) based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines, with stricter rules for higher-income seniors. To qualify, applicants must be Jamestown residents for five years, own only residential property (not income-producing), and provide proof of income. The bill does not change existing statewide tax rules but gives Jamestown local authority to adjust its senior exemption program through town ordinances.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for low/middle-income seniors via income-based exemptions, reducing their tax burden.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides income-based property tax exemptions for seniors, reducing housing costs and advancing affordability for low-income elderly homeowners.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House May 6, 2026

HB 7151: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

HB 7151 allows the town of Jamestown to create a new property tax exemption program for seniors aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary residence. The bill establishes income-based exemption tiers (ranging from 10% to 60% of property value) based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines, with strict residency requirements (5 years in Jamestown). It explicitly excludes income-producing properties (like home offices or rental units) and requires applicants to provide income documentation. This bill directly affects eligible Jamestown seniors meeting the income, residency, and property-use criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates income-based property tax exemptions for low-income seniors, providing tax relief and reducing their tax burden per federal poverty guidelines.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides property tax relief for seniors (65+) on primary residences, reducing housing costs through income-based exemptions under federal poverty guidelines.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 2041: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

SB 2041 authorizes the town council of Little Compton to establish a homestead exemption that reduces property taxes for residential homeowners. The exemption starts at 10% of the town's average property value in the first year and can be adjusted annually between 5% and 15% by town meeting vote. Registered voters who live in and own their homes automatically qualify, while non-voter residents must apply with ID and utility proof. Rental properties with fixed-year leases may also qualify under specific conditions. This bill directly affects Little Compton homeowners and renters meeting residency requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for homeowners via homestead exemption, reducing taxable burden for residential property owners as described in bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingReduces property taxes for homeowners, lowering costs and supporting affordable housing access for owners through homestead exemption.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 7047: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

HB 7047 authorizes the town council of Little Compton to establish a homestead exemption for residential properties, reducing local property tax burdens for qualifying residents. It directly affects homeowners in Little Compton who live in their homes year-round, automatically qualifying registered voters without applications, while non-voter residents must apply with proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill). The exemption starts at 10% of the town’s mean property value and can be adjusted annually between 5% and 15% by the town council. The bill also allows exemptions for second homes and rental properties meeting specific occupancy and lease terms. This is a local tax policy change specific to Little Compton, not a statewide law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReduces property taxes for qualifying homeowners via homestead exemption, providing direct tax relief to residents without increasing government spending.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces property taxes for homeowners, lowering housing costs and increasing affordability for qualifying residents in Little Compton.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing